Rare 19th century North Carolina salt-glazed stoneware pottery jar stamped "G. Wolf" on one lug handle with an additional "G. Wolf" stamp below the handle. 11 1/4? H. Attributed to Gaston B. Wolf who was born in 1837 in Orange County, North Carolina. His father, William, in North Carolina; uncle, Peter, in Washington County, Virginia; cousin, William, in Lee and Wise counties, Virginia (Wise was formed from part of Lee County in 1856); and uncle, Benjamin Phillips, in Carroll County, Tennessee were all potters. At the time of the 1860 census, Gaston was living in Orange County with his parents, four brothers and one sister. On June 21, 1861, at the age of 23, he and a younger brother enlisted in Alamance County in the 6th North Carolina Infantry, Company K (Confederate). Within 8 months an older brother also enlisted in Company K. Neither of his brothers survived the war. Gaston was free to leave the Confederate Army and return home May 22, 1865. He married Ellen Cates in Person County on November 20, 1867. Ella/Ellen/Penelope Wilson Cates was a widow with two children. It appears that at the time of the 1870 Person County census Gaston, Ellen and children were living where Ellen had lived in 1860 (family 140). Gaston’s father, William, and two of his children lived nearby (family 165). Ellen’s parents and a married brother were families 163 and 164. Both Gaston and his father were listed as "Potter" in 1870. It is not clear if they potted together nor where the pottery or potteries were located. Gaston’s father was not found in the 1880 census. If living, he would have been about 73 years of age. Gaston, Penelope (Pernalaper in census) and children were still in Person County in 1880. Gaston’s occupation was recorded as "Farming". This does not necessarily mean that Gaston no longer potted. Potters frequently referred to themselves as farmers if they farmed as well as potted. It is possible that a younger brother, George Franklin, may have potted. A jar stamped G. F. Wolf and 1887 is known and has been attributed to him. The stamp is very similar to this jar’s stamp. It is not known whether it was made while working with Gaston. George Franklin was never found living in Person County. He was, however, found in Alamance County in 1880. Some descendants believe that Gaston lived until the late 1890s (Research courtesy of Carole C. Wahler). (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)

Some chips noted to the base. Very faint hairline noted, approx. 2", from rim to just above one handle, does not affect integrity of jar.